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Nearly $3.5-million paid in Summer sale

As California’s oldest and largest auctioneers, Bonhams & Butterfields has established a reputation as a preeminent source for California and American works of art. “The market for these works continues to be strong, with high-quality examples continuing to find their way to Bonhams & Butterfields,” said Scot Levitt, Vice-president and Department Director, California & American Paintings.

Simulcast between the Los Angeles and San Francisco galleries, the August 7, 2006 sale drew lively crowds. Bidding was highly competitive for the 316 lots, with a total of six world auction record prices set.

Charles Courtney Curran’s delicate and impressionistic vista May Morning opened the afternoon session of American works with great success, bringing $77,000 while Laverne Nelson Black’s Taos Pueblo exceeded its high estimate bringing $100,000. Also making an excellent showing was Milton Avery’s Swimmer Sunning, 1936, a lovely work on paper, selling at $79,875. Philip Russell Goodwin’s Trappers in a Canoe brought competitive bidding and closed the session, selling for $117,250.

Collectors filled the auction room as the evening session of California Paintings launched with great anticipation. An early example of Virgil Williams’ work Fishing Near Half Dome, 1863, reached a record high for the artist, bringing $172,250, while the continuing interest in
the rich palette and irresistible brushstrokes of Joseph Kleitsch’s work was apparent as the Portrait of Ruth Renick sold for $612,250 - also a record high for the artist. John Marshall Gamble contributed his share of robust prices with an impressive vision of luscious California wildflowers. Gamble’s bold and vibrant colors of Spring Flowers Antelope Valley, 1923, brought $66,650 while his sense of depth and careful delineation of color in Spring Afternoon, The Desert near Indio attracted great attention and sold for $82,750.

“With top quality works reaching record levels, buyers seem to be more selective and willing to pay more for premier examples, which leaves more bargains amidst the lesser value works. With an increasing interest in California and American art, competition for the highest quality paintings remains as strong as ever,” continued Mr. Levitt.

The next offering in this collecting category will take place on December 11, 2006. Consignments are currently being sought for this winter sale. Please visit the Bonhams website at www.bonhams.com/us for more information.

Posted: 09|9|06 at 8:00 am. Filed under: US News.